MEASURING STUDENT LEARNING WITH A PRE/POST TEST DESIGN Laura A. Walaszek, PhD
MEASURING STUDENT LEARNING WITH A PRE/POST TEST DESIGN
Laura A. Walaszek, PhD
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify best practices for designing measurable learning outcomes.
2. Compare direct and indirect methods of assessment and evaluate the differences.
3. Generate a list of compelling reasons why pre/post test designs may be an appropriate format for higher education assessment practices
4. Identify effective pre/post test designs and a strong framework for implementing pre/post test design at participant’s home institution.
▸Introduction to Assessment and Evaluation
in Higher Education
▸Direct v. Indirect Methods of Assessment
▸Learning Outcomes
▸Examples of Pre/Post Tests
▸Analyzing Results
▸Questions and Answers
AGENDA
SHOW OF HANDSHave you used a pre/post test before at your institution?
1.ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION Assessment 101
“an ongoing process of establishing goals, implementing programs, and systematically evaluating effectiveness.
ASSESSMENT IN AMERICAN HIGHER EDUCATION
State and Federal Aid Decreasing / Increased Costs
Limited Evidence of Student Learning
No Child Left Behind (K12)
Origins: 1810-1870
Slow Growth: 1870-1940
Rapid Expansion and Extension: 1940-1990
Constrained Resources: 1990 - ???
Sources: Bresciani, 2011; Kerr, 2001
HISTORY OF ASSESSMENT
2.DIRECT V. INDIRECT
“
“
PRE/POST TESTING CAN BE AN
EXAMPLE OF THIS.
LET’S CHATHow are you currently using direct and indirect assessment methods at your institution?
3.LEARNING OUTCOMES
Setting measurable
learning outcomes and
goals.
▸ Audience
TRANSFER STUDENTS IN LLC
▸ Behavior
INCREASED KNOWLEDGE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS
▸ Condition
WEEKLY LEARNING SESSIONS
▸ Degree/How Much
INCREASE IN POST TEST KNOWLEDGE BY 10 POINTS
ABCD METHOD
Image Source: mlevel.com/applying-blooms-taxonomy-in-corporate-elearning
CONSIDER CASThe Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education
LET’S PRACTICETake a minute or two to practice writing a learning outcome for an event or program on your campus.
4.EXAMPLES OF PRE/POST TEST
Tips to remember and
exemplars
▸Assessment given before and after an intervention (i.e., program, service, learning module, etc.)
▸Designed to measure growth directly related to your program/curriculum
DEFINITION
▸Aligned with learning outcomes and Bloom’s
taxonomy
▸Balance between distal v. proximal
▸Designed to maximize responses (i.e., few open
ended questions)
▸Content is aligned and controlled
▸Objective “answer key”
▸Opportunity for growth
KEY FACTORS
Which of the following centers is the hub for wellness and prevention resources designed to help students develop and maintain positive mental and physical health practices?
a. Center for Student Wellbeing
b. Project Safe Center
c. Psychological Counseling Center
d. Student Health Center
SAMPLEREMEMBER/KNOWLEDGE
Based Question
Proximal
Session planned
for student health
resources
Anticipate growth
after aligned session
Your friend Dwayne confides in you that he has recently experienced power based personal violence. To which of the following resources would you direct him?
a. Center for Student Wellbeing
b. Project Safe Center
c. Psychological Counseling Center
d. Student Health Center
SAMPLEAPPLICATION
Based Question
Proximal
Session planned
for student health
resources
Anticipate growth
after aligned session
5.MEASURING SUCCESS
BY LEARNING OUTCOME
29%
78%
20%
85%90%
74%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Knowledge of CampusPartners
Comfort with SeekingAssistance
Analyzes Best Resourcefor Needs
Pre Post
20% at pre
83% at post
BY TOTAL SCORE
LET’S DISCUSS SOME CONCEPTS
WRAP-UP
▸Do you have learning outcomes or objectives?
▸Is your assessment aligned to these outcomes and have you
considered Bloom’s Taxonomy?
▸Does your assessment use distal, proximal, or both questions?
▸Will you control your content/curriculum?
▸Can you show growth?
▸Will you know how to analyze the data?
Laura A. Walaszek, PhDDirector, Strategic Initiatives and Assesment
@LauraWalaszek
CONTACT INFO